Featured image – Tainan Park when the RedBall Project came to Taiwan
In today’s blog, we catch up with Amelia Shaulko, fourth year Chinese and Linguistics student, who reflects on her year abroad experience and how she made the most of her time…
Hi, I’m Amelia.
As a Chinese Studies student, it was a requirement of my degree that I spent at least 30 weeks abroad during my third year. I choose Taiwan because I wanted to study traditional characters and enjoy a tropical climate all year round! I spent nine months there from the beginning of September to the beginning of June.
The variety was great – and so were the opportunities!
I studied at a language centre at National Chengkung University in Tainan, a city in the south of Taiwan. I attended 18 hours of language classes a week at the language centre, and on average about four hours of classes a day. Of course, a lot of language learning isn’t done in the classroom but by going out and exploring! When not studying, I would go to language exchange events, university club events and travel, practising what I had learnt in class.
One of the highlights? Building my resilience…
Aside from improving my language skills, I consider my year abroad integral to my personal development. My time in Taiwan helped me to build up my resilience. There is nothing like moving to another country to make you realise you cannot speak your target language as well as you had thought. I will never forget trying to ask where the electric meter was to a very bemused receptionist on my first day in Taiwan. As difficult as it was, going out of my comfort zone, little by little, and taking small risks every day was essential to me building my confidence and developing an immunity to failure. In fact, I credit my year abroad with giving me the confidence to apply to internships this summer.
I will continue applying this mindset to maximise my last year at university, whether it be by speaking to employers at careers events or getting more involved in student life as a Chinese Studies Peer Support Leader.
My advice to you…
For anyone considering taking a year abroad, I would advise:
1. Reflect on your goals
This reflection should be twofold. Firstly, consider how a year abroad fits with your plan for your degree progression and career development. Secondly, consider some goals for your year abroad. Being alone in a new place can be difficult and it can be useful to remind yourself of these goals if you are feeling lost and need a sense of direction.
2. Seize opportunities
Your time abroad is limited, so take the initiative and take advantage of opportunities, even if it feels daunting. By attending events, joining societies, travelling, and meeting new people, you will get the most out of your year abroad and some interesting stories along the way. Even without learning a new language, the act of preparing and moving to another country will enhance your ability to take the initiative, be resilient, and communicate.
3. Don’t forget about the University of Edinburgh
It’s easy to forget to keep up with goings on at the University when you are half way around the world, but it is essential to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities or deadlines. Check your emails regularly and if you are struggling, reach out to someone as soon as possible.
Additionally, remember you can still use the University’s online resources. For example, the Careers Service host a series of online talks throughout the year and offer appointments online via Microsoft Teams, so you can continue to develop your career even when you’re away.
Looking ahead
My time in Taiwan reaffirmed my interest in the Chinese language, especially my passion for writing articles in Chinese. After graduation, I would like to find work that allows me to utilise my language skills, but I am flexible as to the nature of the role.
Thanks Amelia.
Watch out for another Inform.ed blog from Amelia coming soon where she shares her Employ.ed on Campus summer internship experience.
If, like Amelia, you’ve recently returned from a year abroad, watch our short video on “What next…” (University of Edinburgh login required) from Sarah Johnston, Careers Consultant, to help support your reflection on your year abroad experience and articulate what you’ve gained from this experience effectively to future employers.
